Remember, in childhood, mom and grandmother believed that there is nothing better in case of illness than inhalation over hot potatoes? Do you remember your feelings? A red, hot face, large drops of sweat, panting in a cloud of steam under a thick blanket ... Of course, there was a healing effect, but you were hardly a fan of this procedure.
Today, thanks to scientific progress, a nebulizer has replaced a pan with hot potatoes . This is a compression medical device that can be used both for treatment and for the prevention of diseases. The most widely marketed inhaler is the AED. It is about him that I want to tell in more detail.
What is an inhaler? What is it for?
Nebulizers are called inhalers that can spray drugs with a stream of compressed air. These devices can convert liquid drugs into aerosol form , which allows them to be delivered directly to the respiratory system. Inhalations can be performed with a nebulizer even at high temperature, since the aerosol stream is not hot.
The device is suitable for the treatment of both children and adults. It is especially worth noting that the antidepressant inhaler is recommended for older people, because their body can reject drugs in tablet or powder form. By the way, the name of the device was not accidental. This is a derivative of the Latin word nebula, which means “fog”, “cloud”. In fact, a cold aerosol suspension can be considered a drug mist.
Varieties of nebulizers
Leading manufacturers of medical equipment produce several types of devices:
- Convection nebulizers. This is the simplest type of inhaler that creates an aerosol stream with constant activity and speed.
- Nebulizers activated by inhalation. Economical device using the venturi effect. Loss of drug aerosol during exhalation does not actually occur. And more modern models have a valve system that blocks the flow of medication on the exhale.
- Dosimetric inhalers. These are sensory devices that produce aerosol only by inhalation.
Various companies that produce such an inhaler ("Omron", AED, B.Well) offer devices of different price categories. Nebulizers are used in physiotherapy rooms, inpatient departments of hospitals (pulmonology, ENT area). Often these units are equipped with children's clinics and intensive care units. But the most important thing is that such a device is very convenient to use at home.
Scope of therapeutic effect
Nebulizers, including the AND inhaler, create aerosol suspensions with microparticles of substances of different diameters from medicinal solutions. The therapeutic effect of inhalation depends on their size: medicinal particles 8-10 microns in size affect the oral cavity, 5-8 microns - on the upper sections (nasopharynx, larynx), 3-5 microns - on the trachea and bronchi, 1-3 microns - on bronchioles, 0.5–2 microns - on the alveoli. The portable AND inhaler adjusts the diameter of aerosol particles with special nozzles. This allows you to transport drugs to the focus of the inflammatory process. Thus, the therapeutic effect of inhalation is significantly increased.
Diseases that nebulizers help fight
Modern inhalers are faced with very important tasks. So, for example, an AND inhaler is able to achieve the following goals:
- It eliminates bronchial spasms.
- Enhances drainage function.
- Conducts sanitation of different parts of the respiratory system.
- Eliminates swelling of the larynx, trachea and bronchi.
- Struggles with inflammatory processes.
- Stimulates local immune responses.
- Enhances microcirculation in the mucous membranes.
- Carries out prevention and protects against allergens.
Given this list, it can be argued that the AND nebulizer can help in the treatment of almost any respiratory disease. The extraordinary popularity of such devices is based on this. Let us consider in more detail several nebulizer models that are presented in pharmacies and medical equipment stores.
Description of the inhaler model And-CN-231
The Japanese manufacturer AND produces a compact model of a portable device. This is an AND 231 inhaler. It is able to break drug fluid into microparticles from minimum (0.5 microns) to maximum (10 microns) sizes. The kit includes 2 breathing masks and 5 replaceable filters. The design of the device is very convenient. You can control it with one button. The container for medicinal fluid has a volume of 13 ml.
The device is equipped with a sensor that disconnects the inhaler from the network in case of overheating. The weight of the compressor is 1.5 kg. It is able to provide inhalation at an average rate of 0.2 ml / min. The device operates in intermittent mode: after 30 minutes of aerosol production, followed by half an hour of rest to cool the compressor. Power consumption - 70 watts. This nebulizer model copes well with laryngitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pneumonia and SARS.
Description of the inhaler model And-CN-233
The inhaler AND-233 is intended for the prevention and elimination of acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory system. This model is more compact. The weight of its compressor is 1.2 kg. Inhalations with the device are able to reach all parts of the respiratory system. By production all international quality standards are considered.
Continuous operation of the compressor is possible for no more than 30 minutes, after which the unit must cool down. Shutdown when overheating occurs automatically. Power consumption - 60 watts. Since the model is more compact, the capacity for the drug is less than in the previous device. The device holds no more than 6 ml of liquid. This AED inhaler is also equipped with two masks of various sizes and a set of spare filters.
How to care for the device after the procedure?
After completing each procedure, the device must be put in order. The medicine container, masks and hoses must be washed with clean water and dried. Otherwise, the device is contaminated with pathogenic flora, and the drug solution crystallizes on the walls of the tank and hoses. During cleaning, liquid must not be allowed to enter the compressor - this is important! The instructions for use of the inhaler always indicate the rules for cleaning the device. You can also get acquainted with the requirements for the storage of a nebulizer there.
There are special concentrated solutions and sprays for rapid disinfection of parts of the inhaler. They handle masks, cannulas, nozzles, mouthpieces, and even the body of the apparatus. This is especially important if several people use the device. Nebulizer air filters must be replaced. The expiration date is indicated in the instructions.
How to carry out the inhalation procedure?
Inhalation should not be carried out after eating or physical activity. The break should be at least 1.5 hours. Do not take expectorant drugs before using a nebulizer. If the procedure is carried out through the mouth, then they need to exhale air. For nasal inhalations, special cannulas are used. In this case, inhalation should be through the nose, in exhalation through the mouth.
The duration of one procedure should not exceed 15 minutes, with a short break every minute to prevent dizziness. The device is located on a stable surface. The patient carries out inhalation while sitting, without tilting the body forward. When spraying steroid preparations and an antibiotic by the device, the patient should rinse his mouth after the procedure. When using a mask for breathing with an aerosol suspension, it is necessary to wash your face, avoiding the eye area.
Reviews and recommendations for using the inhaler
The inhaler AED reviews of doctors and patients has only positive. First of all, doctors claim that the device can be used with those solutions that are prescribed by the attending physician. Essential oil compositions are not suitable for inhalation. The instructions for the drugs used should be clarified that they are suitable for use in the form of inhalations. Judging by the reviews of doctors, only saline solution can be used to obtain therapeutic compositions. No other liquid, including distilled water, is suitable for these purposes.
Ordinary users praise the device. They advise against covering the compressor of a running device. They say that this can disable the AND nebulizer. In addition, people recommend not leaving the children themselves during inhalation. After all, any device that is powered by the mains can carry a potential threat to their health. As for the effect of such devices, patients were satisfied with the treatment effect. Reviews indicate that nebulizers helped them cope with respiratory diseases faster.